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Is Liposuction or Surgery Best to Treat Male Breasts?

For many men, gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a common condition that can be cause for low self-confidence and a poor body image. Unfortunately, diet and exercise are usually not enough to resolve gynecomastia on their own, which can make the condition even more difficult to cope with. There are, however, a variety of cosmetic treatment options that can help you to achieve a flatter and more toned chest contour.

If you’re bothered by the appearance of enlarged male breasts, you may want to review your options before scheduling your consultation with a skilled cosmetic surgeon who can offer much more individualized treatment advice. Here is an overview of two of the most popular treatment methods for gynecomastia to help you decide which may be right for you.

What Causes Male Breast Enlargement?

It can be helpful to first understand the underlying causes of male breast enlargement before choosing the most appropriate treatment method. There are varying degrees of gynecomastia, and some types may begin during puberty and continue into adulthood. The primary cause of this condition is a hormonal imbalance between the amount of testosterone and estrogen in your body, which is largely determined by genetics.

Although adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen may be helpful to some degree, most causes of gynecomastia are related to genetics, meaning that the only way to fully get rid of enlarged male breasts is a surgical solution like liposuction, male breast reduction surgery or a combination of both.

Liposuction for Men

While liposuction for men is performed using the same surgical techniques as liposuction for women, men tend to have unique cosmetic needs and goals to help them maintain a fit, toned physique and improved self-confidence. One common concern that liposuction can help to address is the appearance of enlarged breasts in men.

During your liposuction procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will create precise incisions through which he or she can then insert a small tube that can remove pockets of subcutaneous fat, resulting in a smoother, more toned contour.

For men with what’s known as “pseudo-gynecomastia,” liposuction alone may be enough to create the flat, smooth chest they’re looking for. This type of gynecomastia involves an accumulation of fat tissue in the chest area, whereas other types of gynecomastia also involve an enlargement of the breast gland. When the breast gland is enlarged, male breast reduction surgery is often the best treatment option to yield maximum results.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Male breast reduction surgery is a very popular procedure to address the appearance of enlarged breasts. The goal of this treatment option is to remove the enlarged breast gland while also sculpting the chest for a more masculine physique. Thus, liposuction is often combined with male breast reduction surgery to achieve the most comprehensive results.

Many men find that following their procedure, they are able to enjoy an improved quality of life, a more positive body image and a boost of self-confidence thanks to their new look.

Combining Your Options

Depending on your unique needs, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend combining various male breast reduction options to help you get the most out of your procedure. This may include a combination of liposuction and male breast reduction surgery, as well as Smartlipo™ laser liposuction or nipple reduction.

Laser liposuction can be an excellent option for men with a significant amount of loose skin following their gynecomastia correction surgery. This works by using a highly advanced laser device that is able to stimulate the collagen and elastin in your skin to encourage a tightened and toned final look. This treatment, along with traditional liposuction, can also be performed in the abdominal and hip areas, as well as the chest, for a fitter and more muscular overall appearance.

If the appearance of enlarged nipples is also a concern for you, talk to your cosmetic surgeon about the possibility of including a nipple reduction procedure with your male breast reduction surgery. In most cases, these procedures can be combined into a single surgery, and a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon can take great care to make any scarring as minimally visible as possible.

Recovery after Male Breast Reduction

While your exact recovery time can vary depending on which male breast reduction procedure and options you choose, most men feel back to themselves within a few days after their treatment. It is important, though, to follow the recovery guidelines outlined by your cosmetic surgeon to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Once you’ve fully recovered and are cleared by your cosmetic surgeon to return to your normal workout schedule, taking steps to maintain a healthy weight can help you to enjoy your slimmer and more masculine shape for years to come.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the right combination of procedures for your male breast reduction, so much depends on your unique anatomy and goals for your final results. Because of this, the best way to determine which might be the best solution for you is to schedule an in-person consultation with a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has a proven track record of performing excellent male breast reduction procedures.

Many reputable cosmetic surgeon’s offices will post before and after photos of previous success stories. Looking at these can help to give you a better idea of the quality of results that you can expect to achieve yourself should you work with that particular practice.

Above all else, make sure you feel confident and comfortable communicating with your cosmetic surgeon so that he or she fully understands what your goals are for your final look. Open and honest communication, as well as choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon, are keys to getting the smooth, defined contours you’ve always wanted.